Gusset bag

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a gusset bag in which a sufficient area for indication can be retained on flat surfaces, paying attention to the structure of the gusset bag. The gusset bag  1  of the invention comprises flat surfaces  2  and  2  opposed to each other; and side surfaces  3  and  3  capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces  2  and  2;  wherein a part of the side surfaces  3  and  3  is made transparent to form windows  9  and  9.  Since windows  9  and  9  are provided on the side surfaces  3  and  3,  it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication in the flat surfaces  2  and  2,  and observe the contents from outside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a gusset bag having portionsknown as gores in sides thereof.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] There is conventionally known a gusset bag having flat surfacesopposite to each other and side surfaces capable of being tucked in atcreases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces. This gussetbag is formed by heat-sealing a plastic film or the like. The gusset bagis filled with contents such as food, and the commercial product name,features, raw materials, uses, quantity of contents, precautions foruse, and the use-by date are indicated thereon. In general, thisindication is made on a flat surface of the gusset bag forming the frontsurface thereof and standing out when displayed on a merchandise shelf.

[0005] However, the gusset bag poses problems in that it is necessary toprovide a window for observing the contents from outside, that it isnecessary to use a straw for sucking up a charged liquid, or that it isnecessary to indicate a barcode representing the amount of the containedproduct. If a window, a straw, or a barcode is provided carelessly onthe gusset bag, the area for indicating the product name of the contentwould be reduced, or hidden, thus preventing retaining a necessary areaon the flat surface of the gusset bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide,taking notice of the structure of the gusset bag, a gusset bagpermitting retaining a sufficient area for indication in the flatsurface.

[0007] The present invention will now be described. For the purpose ofsolving the aforementioned problems, the present inventor paid attentionto the fact that the gusset bag has gores on the sides thereof, and thegores do not attract general attention on a shelf displayingmerchandise, and obtained the following findings. By providing a windowin a gore, there is available a gusset bag in which it is possible toretain a sufficient area for indication in the flat surface, and also toobserve the contents from outside. More specifically, the presentinvention provides a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite toeach other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases byconnecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; wherein at least a partof said side surfaces is made transparent to form a window, thus solvingthe aforementioned problems.

[0008] According to this aspect of the present invention, in which atleast a part of the side is made transparent to form a window, there isprovided a gusset bag in which it is possible to retain a sufficientarea for indication on the flat surfaces and to observe the contentsfrom outside.

[0009] The aforementioned problems are solved in the present inventionby a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; sidesurfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the bothends of the flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottomof a hollow body formed by the flat surfaces and the side surfaces;wherein at least a part of the bottom is made transparent to form awindow.

[0010] According to this aspect of the invention, the flat bottom makesit possible to obtain a highly self-standing gusset bag. Since thisself-standing gusset bag is displayed on a merchandise shelf in theupright posture, the bottom surface thereof does not attract attention.Providing a window in the bottom therefore gives a gusset bag whichpermits retaining a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces,and observation of the contents from outside.

[0011] The invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing agusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; and sidesurfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the bothends of the flat surfaces; wherein a straw is attached to the sidesurface.

[0012] According to this aspect of the invention, in which a straw isattached to the side surface, a sufficient area for indication can beretained on the flat surfaces with the indication on the flat surfacenot hidden. The side surfaces of the gusset bag are tucked in at thecreases and folded inward. By attaching the straw on this side surface,the straw can be provided at a position inside a plane formed byconnecting the ends of the side. When displaying the gusset bagstogether with the other goods on the shelf, it is possible to preventthe straw from falling.

[0013] The present invention furthermore provides a gusset bag whereinthe flat surfaces and the side surfaces comprise plastic films, and theflat surfaces and the side surfaces are heat-sealed.

[0014] According to this aspect of the invention, the heat-sealedportions of the flat surfaces and the side surfaces form the build ofgusset bag, and the straw is attached within the build. It is thereforepossible to more certainly prevent the straw from falling.

[0015] The invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing agusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; sidesurfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the bothends of the flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottomof a hollow body formed by the flat surfaces and the side surfaces;wherein a POS mark is affixed to the bottom surface.

[0016] According to this aspect of the invention, in which a POS mark isaffixed onto the bottom surface, there is available a gusset bag inwhich it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication in theflat surfaces. By passing the self-standing gusset bag while keeping theupright posture through a register, the register reads the POS markaffixed to the bottom surface, thus facilitating read operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a gusset bag of a firstembodiment of the present invention in use;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a front view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1 (the sameapplies also to the rear elevation);

[0019]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a method offorming the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a plan view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a center-enlarged sectional view of the gusset bag shownin FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a left side view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1 (thesame applies also to the right side);

[0024]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 3 cut along the line A-A;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a left side view of an unfolded state of the gusset bagshown in FIG. 1 (the same applies also to the right side);

[0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gusset bag without a bottomsurface;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a secondembodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a front view of the gusset bag of the secondembodiment;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a thirdembodiment;

[0030]FIG. 14 is a front view of the gusset bag of the third embodiment(the same applies also to the rear elevation);

[0031]FIG. 15 is a broken perspective view of a gusset bag having awindow on the bottom surface;

[0032]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a fourthembodiment of the invention; and

[0033]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a fifthembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034]FIG. 1 shows a gusset bag of a first embodiment of the presentinvention. The gusset bag 1 comprises flat surfaces 2 and 2 opposite toeach other; side surfaces 3 and 3 capable of being tucked in at crasesby connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces 2 and 2; and a flatbottom surface 4 closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by the flatsurfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3. This gusset bag 1 hasgores on the sides and a flat bottom. It can therefore contain a largerquantity of contents and is excellent in self-standing property. Thewindow 9 may be one of the side surfaces 3 and 3.

[0035]FIG. 2 shows a method of forming the gusset bag 1. The methodcomprises connecting the side surfaces 3 and 3 to the both ends of theflat surfaces 2 and 2 opposite to each other, and connecting the bottomsurface 4 to the bottom of the hollow body comprising the flat surfaces2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3, thereby forming the gusset bag 1.

[0036] A method of forming the bottom surface 4 will now be described.The method comprises the steps of first preparing a rectangular sheetfor forming the bottom surface, forming a bottom crease 5 by folding thesheet along the longitudinal center line, providing base points P and Pat arbitrary positions near the both ends of the bottom crease, foldingthe portion of the bottom crease from the base points P and P to thesheet ends in a direction counter to the original tucking direction,thereby forming creases 6 and 6, and tucking in, at the same time, thelines connecting the two corners Q and Q at the both ends of the sheetto the base points P and P as four edge lines 7 protruding inward in thebag, thereby forming open surfaces 8 corresponding to pleats of the sidesurfaces 3 and 3. The thus tucked bottom forming sheet is inserted intothe bottom of the hollow body comprising the flat surfaces 2 and 2 andthe side surfaces 3 and 3.

[0037] The other bottom edges of the tucked sheet are heat-sealed to theinner surfaces of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the inner surfaces ofthe side surfaces 3 and 3, respectively (heat-sealed surfaces R areindicated by oblique lines in the drawing). The flat surfaces 2 and 2and the side surfaces 3 and 3 are heat-sealed (heat-sealed surfaces Sare indicated by oblique lines in the drawing). By heat-sealing, fourheat-sealed surfaces S are formed with a prescribed width on the bothsides of the flat surfaces 2 and 2. When the gusset bag 1 is filled withcontents, the tucked bottom surface 8 becomes flat, and the gusset bag 1can stand up in the self-standing manner. The heat-sealed surfaces Splay the role of build for the self-standing gusset bag 1. The gussetbag 1 after putting the contents in it is reinforced by the heat-sealedsurfaces S. After charging the contents, the mouth of the gusset bag 1is heat-sealed again to seal up the interior of the bag.

[0038] FIGS. 3 to 9 show the gusset bag prior to filling the same withcontents. FIG. 3 is a front and rear views of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 4is a plan view of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 5 is a bottom view of thegusset bag 1; FIG. 6 is a center-enlarged sectional view of the gussetbag 1; FIG. 7 is a left or right side view of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 8is a sectional view of FIG. 3 cut along the line A-A; and FIG. 9 is aleft or right side view of a state in which the sides of the gusset bag1 are unfolded.

[0039] The flat surfaces 2 and 2 comprise plastic films, on whichprinting can be accomplished by a known printing method such as gravureprinting or flexography. The commercial name of contents, features, rawmaterials, uses, quantity of contents, precautions for use, use-by dataand the like are printed on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. For thisindication, importance is placed on design taking account of salespromotion. The side surfaces 3 and 3 comprise transparent plastic films.

[0040] A part of the side surfaces is made transparent to provide awindow 9 (see FIGS. 1 and 9). This window 9 is formed by printinginformation on portions of the side surfaces 3 and 3 other than thewindow 9. The window 9 is rectangular in shape and formed right-leftsymmetrically with the crease as a center. The contents inside isobserved through this transparent window 9 from outside the gusset bag1. When the window 9 is provided on any of the side surfaces 3 and 3, itis not necessary to provide a window on any of the flat surfaces 2 and2, and it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication on theflat surfaces 2 and 2. The window 9 may be provided, not on a part ofthe side surfaces 3 and 3, but over the entire area of a side.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the gusset bag 1 has the bottom surface4, and however a window 50 may be provided on a side surface 3 on agusset bag without a bottom surface.

[0042] A material for the plastic films of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 andthe side surfaces 3 and 3 is, for example a multi-layer film laminatingan OPP film (biaxially drawn polypropylene), a polyester film, a nylonfilm, a straight-chain low-density polyethylene film, and a non-drawnpolypropylene film. A material is appropriately selected, depending uponthe kind of contents such as a solid, powder, liquid, retort, milk or anouter wrapping of a small package. A multi-layer film laminating, forexample, a nylon film and a straight-chain low-density polyethylene filmmay be used as a material for the plastic film forming the bottomsurface 4. A material is appropriately selected, in this case also, inaccordance with the kind of contents such as a solid, powder, liquidretort or milk. The plastic films of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and theside surfaces 3 and 3 may be requested in some cases to have barrierproperty against gases such as oxygen, or even pinhole resistance.

[0043]FIGS. 11 and 12 show a gusset bag 11 of a second embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the gusset bag; and FIG. 12is a front view thereof. The rear elevation, the plan view, the bottomview, the left or right side view, and the sectional view are the sameas those of the gusset bag of the above-mentioned first embodiment. Thegusset bag of the second embodiment of the invention has a window 9 onone of the side surfaces 3 and 3, and has another window 12 also on thefront side flat surface 2. A part of the front side flat surface 2 ismade transparent to form the window 12. The window 12 of the flatsurface 2 is formed in the same manner as the windows 9 and 9 on theabove-mentioned side surfaces 3 and 3. According to this gusset bag 11,the front and sides of the contents can be observed from outside, thusfurther facilitating confirmation of the contents. Because the windows 9and 9 are provided also on the side surfaces 3 and 3, the necessity toenlarge the window 12 on the flat surface 2 is eliminated to such anextent, thus enabling to retain a sufficient area for indication on theflat surface 2.

[0044]FIGS. 12 and 13 show a gusset bag 13 of a third embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the gusset bag 13; and FIG.13 gives front and rear views thereof. The front view, the bottom view,the left or right side view and the sectional view are the same as thoseof the gusset bag 1 of the first embodiment. This gusset bag 13 of thethird embodiment has a window 9 on the side surface 3, and in addition,windows 12 on the front flat and rear flat surfaces 2 and 2. Morespecifically, windows 12 and 12 are provided on portions madetransparent of the flat surfaces 2 and 2. The windows of the flatsurfaces 2 and 2 are formed in the same manner as the windows 9 and 9 ofthe side surfaces 3 and 3. As shown in FIG. 14, at least a part of thebottom surface 4 of the gusset bag may be made transparent to provide awindow 40. By providing the window 40 on the bottom surface 4 of thegusset bag, the bottom of the contents can be confirmed. It is notnecessary to provide a window on the flat surface 2, while retaining asufficient area for indication on the flat surface 2. Further, a windowmay be provided on the bottom surface 4 in each of the first and secondembodiments.

[0045] According to this gusset bag, the contents can be observed fromfront, side and back from outside, thus further facilitatingconfirmation of the contents. Because the windows 9 and 9 are providedon the side surfaces 3 and 3, it is not necessary to provide large-sizedwindows 12 and 12 on the flat surfaces 2 and 2, still retaining asufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2.

[0046]FIG. 14 illustrates a gusset bag 15 of a fourth embodiment of theinvention. A straw 16 is detachably attached to the side surface of thisgusset bag 15. The gusset bag 15 has the same configuration as thegusset bag 1 of the first embodiment mentioned above except that nowindow is provided on the side surface 3. The straw 16 is attached nearthe crease 17 of the side surface 3 by a bonding means such as hot meltafter filling the gusset bag 15 with a liquid so as to extend along thecrease 17. A straw inserting hole 18 is formed in the side surface 3.This hole 18 is formed, for example, by piercing an opening hole at aprescribed position of the outside plastic film layer composing the sidesurface, and placing this plastic layer on top of the inside plasticfilm layer not having an opening hole pierced therein. The liquid insideis sucked by breaking through the straw inserting hole 18 with the straw16. This embodiment may be applied to a gusset bag without a bottomsurface as shown in FIG. 10.

[0047] According to the gusset bag 15 of this embodiment, the straw 16is attached to the side surface 3. The indication on the flat surfaces 2and 2 is not therefore hidden by the straw 16, retaining a sufficientarea for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. The side surface 3 ofthe gusset bag 15 is depressed as the surface is tucked in at the crease16. By attaching the straw 16 to this side surface 3, the straw can belocated at a depressed position relative to a plane connecting the endsof the side surface 3. As a result, it is possible to prevent the strawfrom falling even when the gusset bag 15 is displayed on a shelf in linewith the other goods. In addition, the heat-sealed surfaces 5 of theflat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3 form the build ofthe gusset bag 15, and the straw 16 is attached within this build. Thestraw 16 is therefore protected by the build, thus further preventingthe straw 16 from falling. The straw 16 can be housed in a small bag soas to ensure hygiene.

[0048]FIG. 15 shows a gusset bag 19 of a fifth embodiment of theinvention. In this gusset bag 19, a POS mark 20 is affixed to the bottomsurface 4. The gusset bag 19 has the same configuration as that of thegusset bag of the above-mentioned first embodiment except that no windowis provided on the side surface 3. The POS mark 20 is printed by a knownprinting method. The barcode of the POS mark expresses the item code ofthe good and the price code. The POS mark is read in by an opticalautomatic reading register, and automatically calculates the productprice.

[0049] According to the gusset bag 19 of this embodiment, the POS mark20 is affixed to the bottom surface 4. It is therefore possible toretain a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. Bycausing the upright self-sustained gusset bag 19 to pass through theregister, the register reads in the POS mark affixed onto the bottomsurface 4, thus facilitating read operation of the barcode.

[0050] The bottom 4 as a component may be made of the same material asthe main body comprising the flat surfaces 2 and the side surfaces 3, ormay be formed by inserting a different material into the main body.

[0051] According to the present invention, as described above, there isprovided a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other;and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connectingthe both ends of the flat surfaces; wherein at least a part of the sideis made transparent to form a window. It is therefore possible to retaina sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces, and to observethe contents from outside.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gusset bag comprising: flat surfaces oppositeto each other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creasesby connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; wherein: at least apart of said side surfaces is made transparent to form a window.
 2. Agusset bag comprising: flat surfaces opposite to each other; sidesurfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the bothends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottomof a hollow body formed by said flat surfaces and said side surfaces;wherein: at least a part of said bottom surface is made transparent toform a window.
 3. A gusset bag comprising: flat surfaces opposite toeach other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases byconnecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottomsurface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by said flat surfacesand said side surfaces; wherein: at least a part of said side surfacesis made transparent to form a window.
 4. A gusset bag comprising: flatsurfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tuckedin at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; and aflat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by saidflat surfaces and said side surfaces; wherein: at least one of the flatsurfaces is made transparent to form a window.
 5. A gusset bag accordingto claim 4, wherein at least a part of said side surfaces is madetransparent to form a window.
 6. A gusset bag comprising according toclaim 2, wherein at least a part of said side surface is madetransparent to form a window.
 7. A gusset bag according to claim 4,wherein at least one of the flat surfaces is made transparent to form awindow.
 8. A gusset bag comprising: flat surfaces opposite to eachother; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases byconnecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; wherein: a straw isattached to said side surface.
 9. A gusset bag according to claim 8,wherein said flat surfaces and said side surfaces comprise plasticfilms, and said flat surfaces and said side surfaces are heat-sealed.10. A gusset bag comprising: flat surfaces opposite to each other; sidesurfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the bothends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottomof a hollow body formed by said flat surfaces and said side surfaces,wherein: a POS mark is affixed to said bottom surface.